Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\ASUS\Aura or C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\Aura
Warning
Many processes can run concurrently
Aura's lighting and profiles run under separate threads/processes for responsiveness
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling Aura Sync may affect RGB lighting across peripherals
What is AuraSync.exe?
aura-sync-exe is the executable component that powers the ASUS Aura Sync lighting system. It coordinates lighting profiles, color schemes, and effects across supported hardware via multiple processes, enabling synchronized RGB across devices.
Aura Sync uses a client-server like architecture where aura-sync-exe communicates with AuraService and hardware drivers to apply lighting changes in real time, often launching multiple processes to handle UI, background lighting, and device drivers.
Quick Fact: Aura Sync first popularized cross-device RGB lighting syncing, enabling consistent effects across motherboard, RAM, fans, and peripherals.
Types of Aura Sync Processes
- Aura Core Process: Main controller coordinating lighting profiles and device support
- Renderer/Worker Process: Handles UI tasks and per-device rendering tasks
- Driver/Service Interaction: Communicates with hardware drivers for lighting effects
- Background Sync: Maintains profile synchronization across devices
- Overlay/UI Helper: User interface wrapper for settings
- Logging/Telemetry: Captures events for troubleshooting
Is aura-sync-exe Safe?
Yes, aura-sync-exe is safe when it's the legitimate ASUS Aura Sync binary from official sources (asus.com or included by system manufacturer).
Is aura-sync-exe a Virus or Malware?
The real aura-sync-exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic file names; verify signature and location.
How to Tell if aura-sync-exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\ASUS\Aura\AuraSync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\Aura\AuraSync.exe. Any aura-sync-exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click aura-sync-exe in Task Manager or File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "ASUSTeK Computer Inc." or "ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS)".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is typically 2-15% CPU and 60-180 MB memory when active. Consistently high usage idle warrants a check.
- Behavior: Aura Sync should respond to profile changes and not perform unexpected network activity. No unusual prompts or auto-downloads.
Red Flags: Aura-related files in Temp or AppData, unsigned binaries, or process names that imitate Aura except not from ASUS, or persistent high CPU with no UI activity.
Why Is aura-sync-exe Running on My PC?
Aura Sync runs to apply and manage RGB lighting effects across ASUS and compatible hardware. It may stay resident to respond to device changes or user profile updates.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Lighting Profile: A chosen lighting profile is actively controlling RGB devices; Aura Sync keeps it updated in real time.
- Background Device Support: Peripherals and motherboard RGB chips may run a background daemon to apply effects continuously.
- Startup or Auto-Launch: Aura Sync is configured to start with Windows or system startup to ensure lighting is ready on login.
- Profile Synchronization: The app syncs settings across multiple Aura-compatible devices, refreshing on changes.
- Controller/UI Activity: UI actions, theme changes, or manual lighting overrides can keep aura-sync-exe active.
Can I Disable or Remove aura-sync-exe?
Yes, you can disable aura-sync-exe. It's safe to close Aura Sync when not needed; you can uninstall or disable starting at boot if you prefer a non-rgb setup.
How to Stop aura-sync-exe
- End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager, find AuraSync.exe or AuraService.exe, and End Task
- Close UI: Close Aura Sync UI to stop active lighting changes
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable ASUS Aura Sync
- Prevent Background Running: In Aura Sync settings, turn off 'Run at startup' and any background lighting options
- Stop Services: Optional: Disable related Windows services for Aura lighting if present
How to Uninstall Aura Sync
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → ASUS Aura Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → ASUS Aura Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your PC after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If aura-sync-exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active lighting with many devices: Reduce devices in Aura Config, or switch to a lighter profile
- Background lighting tasks: Disable unnecessary effects in Aura Sync and limit background processes
- Outdated Aura software: Update Aura Sync to the latest version via the Aura Setup utility
- Corrupted profile: Reset to default profile and re-import lighting configurations
- Driver conflicts: Update motherboard and peripheral drivers to the latest versions
- Malware masquerading as aura-sync-exe: Scan with reputable antivirus and verify file location and signature
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Aura Sync Task Manager to identify culprits
2. Update Aura Sync to latest version
3. Disable non-essential lighting profiles
4. Restart Aura Sync services or reboot
5. Scan for malware if unexpected behavior persists
Frequently Asked Questions
Is aura-sync-exe safe?
Yes, aura-sync-exe is safe when obtained from official ASUS Aura Sync installers or system vendors. Verify path C:\Program Files\ASUS\Aura\AuraSync.exe and digital signature from ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
What is aura-sync-exe used for?
Aura Sync uses aura-sync-exe to coordinate RGB lighting across compatible devices, applying profiles, effects, and color changes in real time.
Why is aura-sync-exe using CPU even when I’m not gaming?
Lighting effects and profile synchronization can run in background. Close the UI or disable startup if lighting customization isn't needed.
How can I disable aura-sync-exe from starting automatically?
Open Task Manager → Startup and disable ASUS Aura Sync, or use Aura Sync settings to turn off Run at startup.
How do I uninstall Aura Sync?
Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → ASUS Aura Sync → Uninstall, then reboot your PC.
Where is aura-sync-exe located on disk?
Typically in C:\Program Files\ASUS\Aura\AuraSync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\Aura\AuraSync.exe. If found elsewhere, verify digital signature.